5 barnburners to look forward to at UFC 276
![UFC 276 concept poster [Image via @needingart on Instagram]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/06/2da78-16565171991014-1920.jpg?w=500)
Top-to-bottom, UFC 276 is arguably the most stacked card in MMA history. All the way from the early prelims to the main event, the upcoming blockbuster pay-per-view is loaded with fantastic matchups, most of which are real contenders for the 'Fight of the Night' bonus.
Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski are set to defend their respective middleweight and featherweight titles this weekend. 'The Last Stylebender' is slated to take on top contender Jared Cannonier after his teammate, Volkanovski, squares off against former champion Max Holloway for the third time.
Rising bantamweight star Sean O'Malley, surging Brazilian knockout artist Alex Pereira, Irish prospect Ian Garry and budding lightweight Jalin Turner are also set to feature at the T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, in addition to UFC veterans Robbie Lawler, Donald Cerrone and Jim Miller.
Here are five barnburners to look forward to at UFC 276.
#5. Brad Riddell vs. Jalin Turner
Last weekend's Fight Night headliner between Arman Tsarukyan and Mateusz Gamrot was a showcase for the future of the UFC lightweight division, as is the mouth-watering matchup between Brad Riddell and Jalin Turner, which will be underway on the preliminary card of UFC 276.
Brad Riddell is a former kickboxing champion like his teammate Israel Adesanya. The Kiwi currently occupies the No.14 spot in the lightweight rankings. In his last outing, Riddell was seemingly en route to a decision win over top contender Rafael Fiziev before he got caught with a spectacular spinning wheel-kick in the final round.
Despite the loss to Fiziev, the 30-year-old is still very highly regarded. At UFC 276, the Kiwi will take on surging American Jalin Turner, who is riding a four-fight win streak comprising just as many finishes. Turner boasts a 100% finishing rate, and at 6'3", all his opponents thus far have struggled against his towering frame.
'The Tarantula' has a real case for being the best unranked 155-pounder in the UFC and he will have a chance to break into the top 15 at lightweight this weekend. Both fighters clearly lean towards the striking arts, which should make for an enjoyable matchup.